If you’re looking to invest your money right now, you can’t beat the returns on property. With the OCR expected to remain at 0.25 per cent, at least for the foreseeable future, historically low interest rates, and no restrictions on the amount of money banks can lend to high-LVR borrowers, many economists believe real estate is the *best investment option in the current climate. Follow these handy tips to secure your financial future by investing in property.

If you’re feeling an extra spring in your step, you’re not alone! Scientists tell us that the start of spring can radically improve your mood and that those longer, warmer, sunnier days – with a promise of summer – bring an extra bit of cheer, and a feeling of happiness and hopefulness to most of us. Not convinced? Take a look at these scientific reasons* why springtime brings a little bit of happiness.

Banks in New Zealand have already deferred mortgage repayments up to a staggering $21 billion dollars since New Zealand first went into lockdown in March 2020*. Now the Reserve Bank of New Zealand says it’s extending the mortgage deferral scheme up to March 31, 2021*. But it comes with a warning: Do your homework first. Read on to find out if a mortgage holiday is the right option for you.

With the rising cost of property across New Zealand, it’s not surprising that so many parents are having to help their grown-up children buy property. In fact, it’s estimated that the “Bank of Mum and Dad” is the sixth largest lender when it comes to mortgage lending in New Zealand. While bank lending requirements have made it harder for first-home buyers to use their parent’s help to get onto the property ladder, there are still a few ways you as a parent can help.

For the first time in several years, first home buyers have accounted for a sizeable chunk of new mortgages, according to data released in June 2020 by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. With record low interest rates and the removal of loan to value restrictions, many more first home buyers are seizing the opportunity to enter the property market. If you are considering buying your first home, take a look at these 5 things your mortgage adviser wants you to know before you apply for a mortgage.

Despite economists predicting a “doom and gloom” slump for New Zealand’s property market, house prices continue to rise in some areas, defying the odds and reconfirming real estate’s strength as a solid investment. For first home buyers looking to enter the market, now may be the best time, with record low interest rates, no loan-to-value restrictions (LVR) and regional fluctuations in house prices. As always though, it’s important you place yourself in the best possible position to move quickly on a deal. Here’s how to do that.

Across New Zealand, auctions are a popular method for both buying and selling property. But an auction can seem daunting, particularly if you’re a first home buyer or new to the auction process. Don’t be put off though as there are many advantages for both buyer and seller. In this month’s property article, we’re sharing some of Harcourts New Zealand’s tips to buying and selling at auction to ensure you’re successful.

Spring is traditionally seen as the best time to sell a property, with the warmer weather said to bring out home buyers, fuelling competition and driving up house prices. Whether or not there’s any truth to this, the fact is, homes are sold all year round and there are several advantages to selling in winter. We outline what some of these are and share tips to help make your home sale-worthy during the colder weather.

When it comes to a successful property sale, it’s all about presentation. A bad first impression can make or break a potential buyer’s decision to even walk through the front door. If you’ve decided to sell your place and you’re ready to throw yourself into getting it ready for market, check out these 3 low-cost ways to get your home sale-ready in the new year.

Recent data from REINZ shows a nationwide drop in house sales with all indications pointing to a buyer’s market. As the number of property listings at the end of March 2019 was up 14 per cent year on year in Auckland and down just 3 per cent year on year for the rest of NZ, the drop in house sales is not due to less houses coming onto the market. So, what do you do if your house isn’t selling?